Ramayanaparayanam
Recitations of the Ramayanam happen all over India, in various forms, at various times, for various occasions. In fact, there are various Ramayanams too! This note is about one tradition of Ramayanam recitation (parayanam) that takes place in Kerala. Again, there are numerous traditions in Kerala. There is a practice of daily parayanam. There are recitations that are done over seven days, others over nine. There is also the tradition of recitation that happens in the Karkitakam month (July-August).
The Ramayanaparayanam in Karkitakam is is usually distributed over the entire month (the month itself is also called 'Ramayanamasam' – Ramayanam month). The recitation happens in families, and sometimes at temples. Usually one person recites and others listen. Especially in the case of recitations that take place in temples, there are parayanam specialists. The accompanying rituals vary, but in most cases a recitation is preceded by the lighting of a 'nilavilakku' (a type of lamp). The recitation for the day is ended usually at a 'stotram' or an 'anugraham'.
Recitations of the Ramayanam happen all over India, in various forms, at various times, for various occasions. In fact, there are various Ramayanams too! This note is about one tradition of Ramayanam recitation (parayanam) that takes place in Kerala. Again, there are numerous traditions in Kerala. There is a practice of daily parayanam. There are recitations that are done over seven days, others over nine. There is also the tradition of recitation that happens in the Karkitakam month (July-August).
The Ramayanaparayanam in Karkitakam is is usually distributed over the entire month (the month itself is also called 'Ramayanamasam' – Ramayanam month). The recitation happens in families, and sometimes at temples. Usually one person recites and others listen. Especially in the case of recitations that take place in temples, there are parayanam specialists. The accompanying rituals vary, but in most cases a recitation is preceded by the lighting of a 'nilavilakku' (a type of lamp). The recitation for the day is ended usually at a 'stotram' or an 'anugraham'.
